Spidey Versus Jedi

Reed Johnson’s commentary on “Attack of the Clones” (“Who’s Soaring Now?,” June 2) is completely flawed, as he and other “critics” futilely compare “Attack of the Clones” and “Spider-Man.” Johnson’s bias toward “Spider-Man” is rooted in the movie’s “recognizable, loving and rapturous view of New York.”

Johnson complains about the “big, portentous digital set-pieces” of “Attack of the Clones.” I could not disagree more that “no single image” from “Episode II” was “remotely lyrical or memorable.” Jango Fett blasting at Obi-Wan Kenobi while flying away in a downpour. R2-D2 flying to save Padme. The light-saber battle between Anakin and Count Dooku. “Spider-Man” and “Attack of the Clones” should not be compared. Spidey is at his best grounded on this planet, whereas the Jedis are at their best battling evil a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.

MICHAEL G. CRUZ

Long Beach

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Johnson rightly praises the excellence of “character and plot” in “Spider-Man.” The plot is suspenseful; the characters grow and change before our eyes. But he does not give credit for these things to the person who deserves it most.

It is no coincidence that the writer, David Koepp, has his name on the mega-hits “Jurassic Park,” “Mission: Impossible” and “Spider-Man.” By recognizing the contribution of the screenwriter, Johnson can help lead the way to more great summer films like “Spider-Man.”

VIK RUBENFELD

Santa Monica